#Small Businesses #Ghent #Belgium #AI Adoption #team.blue

Embracing Digital Transformation: The Struggles of Small Businesses in Europe

In a notable report released by team.blue, over 8,000 businesses across Europe were surveyed to assess their digital maturity and readiness to adopt new technologies. The findings reveal that while enthusiasm for digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI) is high, small businesses are plagued by uncertainty, confusion, and a lack of guidance on how to begin their digital journeys.

The Digital Dilemma

The survey results are telling; around 30% of respondents expressed uncertainty about which digital tools to utilize. This sentiment is particularly strong among older businesses—those operational for more than a decade, where that number rises to over 60%. Additionally, 26% of the small businesses reported a significant lack of digital skills or confidence.

According to Claudio Corbetta, the Group CEO of team.blue, this situation does not stem from a lack of ambition. Instead, it highlights a gap in understanding and practical support. He states, "The technology, especially AI, has outpaced the capacity of many small businesses to keep up." There is a clear acknowledgment that although AI can be transformative, the complexity often leaves small business owners overwhelmed.

Barriers to AI Adoption

One of the significant takeaways from the report is the identification of key barriers faced by small businesses: confusion, complexity, and a relative lack of confidence. Many entrepreneurs feel paralyzed by the plethora of digital options available. In fact, most participants rated their confidence in utilizing digital tools at a mere 6 out of 10.

Moreover, regarding AI, while nearly 20% of businesses report extensive use, and another 30% are testing it out, an alarming quarter remains steadfast in their decision not to adopt AI. This reluctance is especially pronounced among older and established companies. Trust issues also persist, with almost half of those surveyed expressing that they trust AI less than human-led tasks, citing concerns over data security and accuracy.

The Need for Clear Guidance

As the digital landscape becomes increasingly complex, small businesses are not looking for new technologies but rather clearer and simpler support to navigate existing tools. A strong 42% expressed a need for guidance on what tools to implement, and 38% value training workshops. Jonas Dhaenens, the founder and president of team.blue, emphasized that digital tools must empower the people who operate them. He stated, "Our focus is on making that experience more accessible and secure, because the prosperity of small businesses directly shapes the vitality of our communities."

Recommendations Moving Forward

For the digital landscape to foster growth among small businesses, team.blue posits that creating accessible paths to understanding and implementing digital tools is essential. Simplifying these tools can transform AI from an intimidating concept into a powerful asset for growth, efficiency, and innovation.

The overarching theme of the report is clear: small businesses desire a helping hand in their digital journey. Addressing their lack of confidence and knowledge through comprehensive support can bridge the gap and help them harness the full potential of digital tools. The full report can be accessed here.

About team.blue

team.blue operates across Europe as a leading AI-powered digital enabler for small and medium-sized businesses. With a robust portfolio, they aim to simplify the complexities of online business and provide comprehensive support services powered by over 3600 experts. Their commitment to enhancing the digital journey for entrepreneurs positions them as a pivotal player in the digital landscape.